The mother of slain university student Sharon Otieno, now wants the court to deny Migori Governor Okoth Obado bail saying her family is living under mortal fear.
In an application filed in court on Monday morning, Ms. Melida Auma Rangili argues that releasing the three accused persons on bail will expose witnesses to intimidation, and evidence interference, further adding that it will unduly undermine the prosecution’s case.
“The thought that those accused of killing our daughter can be freed during trial is chilling, a situation not helped by the fact that, as family members, we are possible witnesses in this matter,’’ reads the affidavit.
Ms. Auma also stated that everyone linked to the murder of Sharon Otieno and her unborn child should remain in custody even as the trial is expedited.
She adds that the governor has influence in Migori County and across Nyanza, adding that three other suspects, alleged to be subjects of the county boss, are still at large.
“I pray to the Honorable Court to balance request for bail against the greater public interest to find the killers of Sharon and her unborn child; and to determine that the grant of bail will undermine the latter,” argues Sharon’s mom.
Governor Obado was on Monday charged afresh with two counts of murder after the court allowed the prosecution to amend the charge sheet and include the murder of Sharon Otieno’s baby.
Appearing before judge Jessie Lessit, Obado and his two aides; Michael Oyamo and Caspal Obiero were charged with the murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno and the unborn infant she was carrying at the time of her gruesome murder.
The three pleaded not guilty to the two counts of murder, as the court allowed consolidation of their cases into one.